MORRISVILLE, NY— Morrisville State College will host more than 1,000 high school junior boys and staff at this year’s American Legion Boys State program Boys State government camp June 26-July 2. Attendees were chosen based on their exceptional qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to their schools.
While attending Boys State, students learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State. The one-week program exposes delegates to the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of a citizen in a mock state government. Among the activities they will participate in are legislative sessions and court proceedings.
Additionally, there will be a variety of speakers.
Throughout the week, students learn how to run for offices, organize campaigns and pass bills. They also develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for how government works.
Developed to educate young men and create an interest in the operation and structure of the government, Boys State participants learn the importance of the individual in the success and progress of government. The program also provides training in leadership, character and citizenship development.
Participants follow a daily physical program including calisthenics and marching in preparation of a parade, one of the high points of the program.
Boys State was developed by the American Legion in 1938 and its participants have influenced actual government legislation in the past. The junior driving license being issued at the age of 16 was an idea passed on to the legislature in the 50s by Boys State. Well-known participants who have participated in Boys State include: former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Boys State participants who choose to attend Morrisville State are eligible to receive a scholarship.
Scheduled to speak during Boys State are:
- Fri. June 26 Peter Lindeman, Abraham Lincoln impersonator, 7 p.m.
- Sat. June 27 Fred Ashforth, public speaking trainer, 8:30 a.m.
- Sun. June 28 Helen Sperling, Holocaust survivor, 9:30 a.m.
- Mon. June 29 Claudia Tenney, State Assembly; Anthony Brindisi, State Assembly; Thomas Croci, 3rd District Senator, 8:30 a.m.
- Tues. June 30 Former Boys State Cadet Brady Carroll US Military Academy; Scott McNamara, Oneida County District Attorney, 9:30 a.m.
- Allen Riley, Madison County Sherriff and Capt. David Meeker, Oneida Police Department; Jon Wright, Waterville Fire Chief; James Van Wormer, retired Waterville Superintendent; Dennis McDermott, Madison County Judge; Richard Flisnik, Oneida County Legislator, 1 p.m.
- New York State Police mobile response team demonstration; Ron Taylor, former Boys State Boys Nation Senator, 6:30 p.m.
- Wed. July 1 U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dan Erker (retired); Joe Griffo, State Senator, 8:30 a.m.
Morrisville State’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
In addition to being named to the 2014 President’s Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll, the college was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an institution in the top tier of the Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate.